CANHelp Director Brian Crump Chatted About the Fire at CANHelp on This Second Cup Of Coffee
September 11, 2025 – The Executive Director of CANHelp, Brian Crump, had a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey recently. Brian and John Mark chatted about the fire CANHelp experienced in the beginning of September, the successful Back to School Fair that was held in the previous month, the upcoming coat drive, and much more. Be sure to watch this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee and learn how CANHelp is giving back to your community.
A Word of Thanks From the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation
September 11, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, an IRS non-profit organization, has a message for the Hopkins County community…thank you! As one of the oldest charities in Hopkins County, we feel we can speak for all local non-profits when we express our appreciation for the generosity of our community.
Since the International Day of Charity was recently celebrated, it is appropriate to share how grateful we are to Hopkins County. It is your donations that keep our doors open and our services in operation.
This is not something new. Think of the Hopkins County United Fund, founded in 1955, which is now United Way. It was a group of local residents who, as Bill Bradford would say, thought our community should “put all its ask-its in one basket.”
If you have been around Hopkins County for a while, you will remember all the Metroplex news coverage Sulphur Springs received in the early 2000s due to the various wooden yard signs that raised money and awareness for local children with illnesses. The focus was on how supportive and benevolent Hopkins County was to one another.
Though much has changed in our community, the practice of neighbors helping neighbors has not been lost.
Another wonderful thing about Hopkins County is that there is a local non-profit for most needs. Many of these organizations are like the Health Care Foundation in that they are powered by a group of local volunteers who donate their time and money to ensure services and support are available to those who need it.
As the Foundation heads toward another milestone, celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the Health Care Gala fundraiser, we want to celebrate this community for its generosity, wisdom, and mercy. We realize our success, and that of our fellow local charities, is only possible due to this community. For that we are grateful.
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Texas Farm Bureau Encouraged by MAHA Commission Strategy Report
September 11, 2025 – The following statement may be attributed to Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening regarding the Sept. 9 release of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission strategy report.
“Texas Farm Bureau is encouraged by the final ‘Make Our Children Healthy Again’ strategy report and appreciates the commission’s responsiveness to the concerns of farmers and ranchers.
“We share the goal of improving Americans’ health, and it starts with healthy farms.
“The MAHA Commission’s strategy report recognizes the vital role of U.S. agriculture in delivering the world’s safest food supply and advancing national health outcomes.
“We thank the commission for taking time to come visit with Texas farmers as it compiled the final report, and we look forward to our continued work with the Trump administration.”
A Plea For Food Donations for Hopkins County Community Chest
September 11, 2025 – Keri Osborne is once again organizing a food drive to support the Hopkins County Community Chest in Sulphur Springs.
Governor Abbott Orders Flags Lowered To Honor Charlie Kirk
September 10, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today directed all state government buildings to lower the United States and Texas flags to half-staff, in accordance with President Donald J. Trump’s proclamation honoring the memory of Charlie Kirk.
Flags should be returned to full-staff at sunset on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
The Governor released the following statement earlier today after the news of Kirk’s death.
“Cecilia and I are heartbroken by the assassination and passing of Charlie Kirk,” said Governor Abbott. “Charlie’s voice was a beacon for millions of young Americans searching for truth, courage, and conviction. This senseless act of violence has no place in America. Our prayers are with Charlie’s family and his loved ones, especially the two young children he leaves behind. Texas stands with them in mourning and in honoring Charlie’s enduring legacy.”
New Restrictions on Texas THC Sales Effective Immediately
September 11, 2025 – Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order Wednesday placing new restrictions on intoxicating THC products after lawmakers failed to reach agreement during two special sessions. The order, effective immediately, bans the sale of THC products to anyone under 21 and requires ID checks for all purchases. Retailers are also prohibited from operating within 1,000 feet of schools or churches.
Key Provisions
- Age restriction: No sales to individuals under 21; all purchasers must show valid ID.
- Retail zoning: Shops cannot operate within 1,000 feet of schools or churches.
- Oversight: State agencies must review testing protocols and increase licensing fees to cover stronger enforcement.
The governor’s order directs state agencies to tighten oversight of the industry, including reviewing product testing standards and increasing licensing fees to strengthen enforcement. Abbott said the move is intended to curb youth access while ensuring products on the market meet safety guidelines.
The order stops short of the full prohibition supported by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Sen. Charles Perry (R–Lubbock). Both had pushed for legislation earlier this year to ban or heavily regulate hemp-derived intoxicating products, including delta-8 and delta-9 THC, but negotiations collapsed during the spring session.
Critics of the order argue it does not address concerns about the widespread availability of THC-infused gummies, vapes, and other products in Texas stores. Supporters, however, view it as a necessary first step in tightening rules around an unregulated market until lawmakers revisit the issue in 2027.
What is the Safest Day for a Family to Attend the Texas State Fair?
September 9, 2025 – The State Fair of Texas, one of the largest and most popular fairs in the nation, attracts millions of visitors each year. For families planning their trip, safety and comfort are often top concerns—especially given the fair’s massive crowds, bustling midway, and late-night entertainment options.
Click here for up-to-date safety information provided by the State Fair of Texas.
Traditionally, weekdays—especially Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays—are considered the safest and most family-friendly days to attend. These days see smaller crowds compared to weekends, making it easier to navigate the fairgrounds, keep children close, and enjoy attractions without long waits. Law enforcement and fair organizers also note that disturbances, when they occur, are more common during peak evening hours and on weekends, when unsupervised groups of teenagers tend to gather in larger numbers.
The October 2023 shooting at the State Fair of Texas, where Cameron Turner injured three people in a dispute at a food court, occurred on a Saturday night.
Attending earlier in the day is another important factor. Families who arrive in the morning or early afternoon can enjoy rides, exhibits, livestock shows, and kid-friendly performances before the evening rush begins. The fair has increased its police presence, security checkpoints, and surveillance, but parents are still encouraged to plan ahead, designate meeting spots, and keep an eye on children at all times.
With these considerations, the safest and most enjoyable option for families is to plan a weekday morning or afternoon visit, ideally Tuesday through Thursday. Not only will the crowds be lighter, but families can also take advantage of discounted admission and ride specials often offered on these days.
By choosing the right day and time, families can enjoy the best of the fair in a relaxed and secure environment.
Library Director Hope Cain Had a Second Cup of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
September 9, 2025 – Sulphur Springs Public Library Director, Hope Cain, had a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey to share what the library has going on for the community. Hope and John Mark chatted about how September is fine free month at the Sulphur Springs Library, the Halloween Costume Swap coming up starting September 15th, 2025, some of the new books at the Sulphur Springs Library, and so much more. Be sure to watch this episode of KSST”s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey and see what Sulphur Springs Public Library Director has to say!
Texas A&M Forest Service pins Newest law Enforcement Officer
September 9, 2025 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Troy Poe, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Coordinator, was sworn in as a Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement additional duty officer today.
As an additional duty officer, Poe will assist in investigating Texas wildfires, predominantly in South Texas.
Poe will also continue his full-time role as a Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Coordinator in Beeville, Texas, coordinating response to wildfire and all-hazard events with local, state and federal partners and serving in a unified command.
“With over 12 years of experience in law enforcement and investigations, Officer Poe will be a valuable asset to our department by supporting local communities in wildfire investigations,” said Connor Murnane, Texas A&M Forest Service Chief Law Enforcement Officer. “The coordinated effort between our officers and local officials is critical to protecting the natural resources, landowners and citizens of Texas.”
The Law Enforcement department is comprised of 11 officers and investigators, including Poe—all licensed peace officers by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement and approved by the Texas A&M System Board of Regents.
For over 110 years, the department has investigated the cause of wildfires throughout the state. In 1977, the department also assumed the responsibility of investigating timber theft cases and carrying out justice under the Texas Natural Resources Code.
Following wildfires, local law enforcement and investigators initiate investigations but often request assistance from Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement officers.
During the cause and origin investigation of a wildfire, investigators examine contributing factors such as weather conditions, vegetative fuel consumption, as well as macro and micro burn pattern indicators. Grass stems, scorching patterns on tree bark and ash color are all indicators that allow investigators to determine the origin of a fire. Based on the totality of the circumstances and evidence, investigators will conduct a criminal investigation into the cause of the fire and any potential arson suspects.
In 2025, the department has recovered over $131,000 for landowners who were victims of timber theft and investigated 84 wildfires.
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Hopkins County Genealogical Society September Monthly Meeting to be Held on the 18th
September 9, 2025 – Former Air Force One Navigator to Share Memories of 9/11
Join us Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Hopkins County Genealogical Society Research Library for a program by Retired Lt. Col. Everett DeWolfe. He was the Navigator for Air Force One on 9/11 and will be talking about his experiences that day. Lt. Col. DeWolfe spent 28 years in the Air Force with twelve of them being on the crew of Air Force One. Lt. Col. DeWolfe was the first and only navigator to serve as the operations officer of the 1st Airlift Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, whose mission was to fly our nation’s leaders worldwide. Before joining the crew of Air Force One he spent eight years flying our nation’s leaders from the Vice-President on down. His passengers included Vice-Presidents George H. W. Bush, Don Quayle and Al Gore. He also flew Secretaries of State George Shultz, James Baker, Lawrence Eagelburger, Madeleine Albright and Colin Powell. Lt. Col. DeWolfe joined the crew of Air Force One in October of 1993 and served as instructor and evaluator navigator until he retired in April of 2005. After retiring from the Air Force, DeWolfe worked for L3 Communications (now L3Harris) until he retired in 2020.
Mr. DeWolfe has shared his story with several other groups in our area this year, many of whom charged an admission fee. We are so fortunate to have him speak to us only a week after the 24th anniversary of the events that had profound consequences across the globe, and his presentation is free to society members, non-members and the general public. We hope to see you there!
If you cannot join us in-person, we invite you to join us via Zoom.
When: Sep 18, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/KFWKxv9-Rbu6Uq-qVjmKjQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
